Media CenterSyrian Refugee Crisis: 7 Things You Can Do to Help

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Facing an uncertain future, Syrian refugees are struggling to survive. With violence continuing in their homeland, they wait in camps hoping that a country will offer them asylum. Catholic Relief Services supports the efforts of Pope Francis, who says "there must be no family without a home, no refugee without a welcome, no person without dignity."

“Far too many lives have been lost in this conflict, and we join Pope Francis’ call to protect human rights, grant safe passage for all those trying to flee the violence, and for urgent humanitarian aid to reach those who desperately need it.”

— Sean Callahan, President & CEO

While Catholic Relief Services is providing support to those in need, this crisis is turning into one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies today. Here are 7 ways you can make a difference in the lives of Syrian refugees.

How to help Syrian refugees

1. Donate

One of the best ways to help is through donating to accredited nonprofit organizations that are responding to the crisis. More than 90 percent of money donated to CRS goes directly to people in need.

2. Learn More

The more you learn about this crisis, the more you’ll understand its underlying causes and can spread the word. Continued warfare in Syria, the drought in Somalia and violence in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, has contributed to the surge of refugees from those countries. Meanwhile, deteriorating economic conditions in places like Sub-Saharan Africa has led people to Europe in search of a better life. The refugee ban complicates matters.

3. Fundraise

You can provide direct assistance by setting up a page to raise money to support our emergency efforts. Your support will ensure that we can provide immediate assistance, including food, water, access to sanitation, legal services and medical care.

4. Advocate

For years, countries in the Middle East have been sheltering the largest number of Syrians and Iraqis. CRS is calling on the United States to continue and expand humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees in these countries, as well as those burdened by this new migration. Most importantly, the United States should lead concerted diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Syria.

But you have a part, too. Read more about how our nation’s leaders can respond to the crisis, and write a letterurging them to take up the cause.

5. Use Social Media

Follow and retweet @CatholicRelief and @CRSNews on Twitter for the latest updates on the #RefugeeCrisis that’s reached Europe. Also, share the memes on this page on your social media channels to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

7 things you can do to help #refugees on #WorldRefugeeDay via @CatholicRelief. #SyrianRefugees http://bit.ly/21oM9RM

7 things you can do to help #refugees on #WorldRefugeeDay via @CatholicRelief. #SyrianRefugees http://bit.ly/21oM9RM

7 things you can do to help #refugees on #WorldRefugeeDay via @CatholicRelief. #SyrianRefugees http://bit.ly/21oM9RM

6. Pray

Pray for protection for refugees around the world, as well as for personal transformation, as we face the needs of refugees everywhere, by using this Prayer for Refugees.

7. Support Refugees in the United States

Although CRS works exclusively overseas, there are many ways to help refugees in the United States. Let Capitol Hill know this issue matters to you and we need to do more together. Support organizations such as Migration and Refugee Services and your local Catholic Charities. You can also volunteer to help refugees in your own area through local refugee resettlement centers.

CRS has gotten to know and helped hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. Read stories about...more

Director of Communications

Kim Pozniak

February 10, 2017

Based in Baltimore, MD

As the Director of Communications, Kim oversees the communications and social media teams working with journalists and the media to connect them with engaging stories about relief and development programs that are making a tangible difference in people’s lives around the world.